Stevens speaks out on proposed amendment

The chairman of the Senate Education Committee is speaking out on last week’s decision to pull from his committee a proposed constitutional amendment that would let public money be used for private schools.

Sen. Gary Stevens opened his floor speech, joking that he learned his lesson about missing a floor session.

On Friday, when Stevens was absent, the Senate voted to pull SJR9 from its Education committee referral and have it heard by the Senate Judiciary and Finance committees. The Senate president said the measure involves a legal issue, and he mistakenly referred it to Education initially.

Stevens said Tuesday that he has never held a bill because he didn’t like it and would have moved the measure on. But he made clear that he personally disagrees with the measure.

Gavel Streaming Schedule

About 360 North

360 North is Alaska’s public affairs channel. Part of the statewide offerings of Alaska public television, it is the most widely distributed television channel in Alaska offering a full-time schedule of Alaska programming, public affairs specials, documentaries, historical programs, Native interest shows and coverage of Alaska government.